Affinity vs GIMP

Affinity9.2Visit GIMP8.5Visit

Higher score Affinity #1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Affinity

vs

GIMP #3 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit GIMP

• Affinity fits best

  Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work

• GIMP fits best

  Users who want a free, open-source editor

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Side by side

Feature	Affinity 9.2/10 Visit ↗	GIMP 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.5
Ranking	#1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac	#3 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
Best for	Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work	Users who want a free, open-source editor
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	None	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Docs	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Affinity 0/6 · GIMP 0/6
Layer support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
RAW processing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
PSD compatibility	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Non-destructive editing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Plugin support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
iPad version	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Maximum color depth	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration	Layers, masks, selections and filters support detailed image composition. Scripting and command-line operations enable batch processing. Plug-ins extend its capabilities across Windows, macOS and Linux.
Cons	Requires a Canva account for individual access Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed Some AI tools require Canva premium plans	It does not natively process camera RAW files. It is a desktop editor rather than a web-based tool. Support channels listed are documentation.
Our verdict	Affinity brings pixel photo editing, vector design, and page layout into one desktop application. For Mac users looking to replace Photoshop, that breadth is its defining distinction: alongside RAW processing, filters, retouching, and… Read the review →	GIMP is a free, open-source desktop image editor for photographers, designers, illustrators and others creating or editing raster images. Available for macOS, Windows and Linux, it covers retouching, restoration, compositing and graphic… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Affinity — where it wins

  • Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout
  • Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files
  • Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires a Canva account for individual access
  • Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed
  • Some AI tools require Canva premium plans

• GIMP — where it wins

  • Layers, masks, selections and filters support detailed image composition.
  • Scripting and command-line operations enable batch processing.
  • Plug-ins extend its capabilities across Windows, macOS and Linux.

  Where it doesn't

  • It does not natively process camera RAW files.
  • It is a desktop editor rather than a web-based tool.
  • Support channels listed are documentation.

• Affinity9.2/10 · Free plan

  A broad Photoshop alternative that also handles vector design and page layout.

  Visit AffinityFull verdict →
• GIMP8.5/10 · Free plan

  A capable free desktop editor for layered work, retouching and scripted batch processing.

  Visit GIMPFull verdict →